Four Social Media Creators Who Teach How to Advocate for Your Disabled and Neurodivergent Children in School and Beyond
Written By: Ambreia Meadows - Fernandez
We get it! It’s overwhelming for all of us to map out the best way to ensure our children have what they need. But when your children have developmental needs that differ from those of other children, there is even more to remember. Raising neurodivergent and disabled children requires a lot of acceptance, flexibility, and creativity. And while you may feel overwhelmed by the never-ending list of appointments, suggestions, and expectations, you don’t have to do it all. Still, you can seek resources and like-minded communities to better prepare you to advocate for your children. Doing so helps normalize your frustrations and tools to thrive.
Keep reading to learn about four social media creators who teach how to advocate for your disabled and neurodivergent children in school and beyond.
Autism in Black aims to provide support to Black parents who have an autistic child through educational and advocacy services. The organization is dedicated to bringing awareness to Autism and reducing the stigma in the black community. Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC, a licensed mental health therapist, is the CEO of Autism in Black. She primarily supports Black parents through education and advocacy training, inspired by her own experiences with her daughter’s early autism diagnosis. In addition to therapy, Maria is a coach, speaker, advocate, and author, with her first published work, a Self-Care Affirmation Journal, available on Amazon. Her unique approach to counseling exemplifies her commitment to fostering acceptance and addressing the challenges of raising a Black autistic child.
Tumi is an accomplished speaker, advocate, and researcher dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of neurodiversity. Diagnosed with Dyspraxia at age four, Tumi currently works as an early career researcher in Health Economics at Newcastle University and is pursuing a PhD focused on the economic inequalities associated with neurodiversity. He founded The Black Dyspraxic to highlight the intersectionality of neurodiversity, particularly from his perspective as a British-born Nigerian. Tumi actively participates in the neurodiversity community, holding advisory roles at various organizations and serving as a judge for the Genius Within Neurodiversity Awards.
Diamond Evita, also known as “Dr. Dime,” is a pediatric occupational therapist and trained doula who advocates for birth and reproductive health. She has six years of experience in pediatric OT and earned her post-professional doctorate in 2019, driven by her passion for working with children and families. Dr. Evita volunteers in perinatal mental health and supports infant feeding, focusing on breast and chestfeeding. Dr. She prioritizes self-care and mental health while embracing her own neurodivergence and training in neurodiversity-affirming care.
Destiny Huff trains organizations, schools, and parent groups on supporting neurodivergent learners, focusing on Autism, ADHD, and mental health diagnoses. Destiny has 15 years in the mental health field as a Licensed Mental Health Professional and firsthand experience working in educational settings. Her insights into the needs of neurodivergent children were further deepened as a mother of two children with Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). She consistently emphasizes the importance of effective communication and collaboration within IEP teams.